Is the grass truly greener elsewhere? While we’re uncertain, one thing is clear: the sky has never been bluer. Two years have passed since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as X, which has led many users to explore alternative platforms. Although options like Mastodon, Post, Pebble (two of which have already halted operations), and Spill have emerged, none have matched the rapid growth seen by Bluesky, apart from Meta’s Threads.
As of February 2025, Bluesky has exceeded 30 million users. This remarkable expansion is linked to several policy adjustments at X, including a much-maligned alteration to the blocking feature and the allowance for third-party firms to utilize user posts for AI training. This propelled Bluesky to the top of the U.S. App Store. Furthermore, activity surged following the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which also triggered an exodus from X amongst Taylor Swift’s followers. However, despite its promising user base, growth has decelerated, leaving Bluesky with significant ground to cover in order to rival Threads’ impressive 275 million monthly active users.
Below, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions users have regarding Bluesky. If you’ve transitioned to the platform, you can follow TechCrunch and our team with our Starter Pack.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a decentralized social networking application envisioned by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and developed in concert with Twitter. The platform features a user interface reminiscent of Twitter, incorporating algorithmic choices, a federated design, and community-specific moderation.
Utilizing an in-house open-source framework known as the AT Protocol, Bluesky allows external parties to gain insight into its architecture and ongoing developments.
Dorsey launched the Bluesky initiative back in 2019 during his tenure as CEO of Twitter. At that time, he mentioned that Twitter would support a “small independent team of up to five open-source architects, engineers, and designers,” tasked with creating a decentralized standard for social media, with the intention that Twitter would ultimately implement this standard. However, following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform, Bluesky now operates independently from X.
As of May 2024, Dorsey stepped down from Bluesky’s board, marking its transition into an independent public benefit corporation helmed by CEO Jay Graber.
How do you use Bluesky?
Upon registration, users can create a handle, which takes the format @username.bsky.social, and select a display name that appears prominently in bold. If desired, users may convert an owned domain into their username — for instance, I’m recognized on Bluesky as @amanda.omg.lol.
The app functions similarly to a basic version of X, allowing users to click a plus icon to craft posts of up to 256 characters, including the addition of photos. Posts can be replied to, reposted, liked, and options for reporting, sharing through the iOS Share Sheet, or copying as text are accessible through a three-dot menu.
Users can search for and follow others, with their updates appearing in their “Home” timeline. The Bluesky app previously showcased popular posts in a “What’s Hot” feed, which has since transitioned to an algorithmically-driven and tailored “Discover” feed that includes diverse content beyond trending topics.
For new users, Bluesky has rolled out a “Starter Pack” feature that curates recommendations for people and custom feeds to follow, helping users discover engaging content right from the start. You can explore TechCrunch’s Starter Pack here.
User profiles offer familiar elements such as a profile picture, background, bio, metrics, and following counts. Profile feeds are categorized into two sections, similar to X: posts and posts & replies. As of January 2025, a new video tab has also been incorporated into user profiles.
A “Discover” tab is located in the app’s navigation at the bottom center, providing suggestions on whom to follow and a feed of recent Bluesky updates. Additionally, a vertical video feed was launched in January 2025 to compete with TikTok.
We’ve also created a comprehensive guide on how to navigate Bluesky here.
Who’s on Bluesky?
By the onset of July 2023, when Instagram launched Threads, Bluesky had crossed a million downloads on both iOS and Android. It has attracted notable figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Cuban, Quinta Brunson, Dril, Weird Al Yankovic, Guillermo del Toro, Barbra Streisand, and even Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who have all made the switch to Bluesky.
Bluesky has also garnered participation from news outlets like Bloomberg, The Washington Post, and of course, TechCrunch! Starting from August 2024, Bluesky has allowed heads of state to register on the platform for the first time.
Does Bluesky operate like X?
In several respects, yes. Until recently, Bluesky lacked direct messaging features akin to those on X, but these have now been added. However, direct messages on Bluesky are limited to one-on-one interactions and do not support group chats. Bluesky has expressed interest in implementing a feature similar to X’s Community Notes. Unlike X, which does not utilize a decentralized protocol like ActivityPub or AT, Bluesky is exploring a Trending Topics feature and is developing its own photo-sharing app called Flashes, anticipated to enter beta testing soon in the near future.
In October 2024, Elon Musk announced modifications to X’s block feature, allowing users who have been blocked to see a user’s posts and profile, yet restricting their capacity to interact. Some users view this change as a safety risk, prompting a surge in registrations for Bluesky, which employs a traditional blocking mechanism.
In another notable distinction, Bluesky has stated it has “no intention” of utilizing user-generated content for training generative AI tools, contrasting with X’s newly updated terms of service that permit training AI using public posts, although third parties can still engage in this practice.
Initial developments of Bluesky commenced as a project initiated by Jack Dorsey in 2019 during his time as Twitter’s CEO, but since launching independently in 2021, it has operated autonomously.
Is Bluesky free?
Yes, the platform is completely free and accessible to the public.
How does Bluesky generate revenue?
Bluesky aims to explore alternative monetization methods beyond advertising through paid services, ensuring its offerings remain free for users. On July 5, 2023, Bluesky announced additional seed funding along with a paid service that provides custom domains for users wishing to have a unique web address as their handle on the platform. Bluesky has emphasized its intention not to resort to “selling user data for advertisement purposes” to monetize its service.
In November 2024, Bluesky revealed it successfully raised a $15 million Series A round and is in the process of developing a subscription service that will offer premium features. However, Bluesky has clarified that its subscription model will differ from X’s “pay to win” premium strategies. Users have encountered mockups hinting at the premium service, termed Bluesky+, which may encompass features like higher quality video uploads and customization options for profiles.
In December 2024, Peter Wang announced a fund of $1 million, referred to as Skyseed, which will provide grants to developers creating applications on Bluesky’s open-source AT Protocol.
Is Bluesky a decentralized platform?
Absolutely. The Bluesky team is advancing the decentralized AT Protocol, which is the foundation of Bluesky. Currently, users can only join the bsky.social network during its beta phase, but Bluesky aspires to adopt a federated approach, enabling myriad independently operated communities to exist within the open-source network. Therefore, if an external developer creates a new social application using the AT Protocol, Bluesky users could transition to this new app, carrying over their existing followers, handles, and data.
“You’ll always have the freedom to choose (and to exit) instead of being held to the whims of private companies or opaque algorithms. Wherever you go, your friends and relationships will follow,” a Bluesky blog post stated.
Is Bluesky secure?
In October 2023, Bluesky enhanced account security by introducing email verification as part of a broader initiative to bolster security and authentication on the platform. This enhancement is a significant step toward making Bluesky competitive with larger networks like X, which possess more comprehensive security protocols. In December 2023, Bluesky allowed users to opt-out of a change that would have made their posts publicly accessible on the internet following backlash from the community.
Is Bluesky customizable?
Indeed. In May 2023, Bluesky introduced custom algorithms, termed as “custom feeds.” These custom feeds enable users to subscribe to various algorithms that present different types of posts tailored to their interests. Users can pin custom feeds, categorizing them at the top of their timeline for easy access under the “My Feeds” menu in the app’s sidebar.
In March 2024, the platform introduced “AT Protocol Grants,” a new initiative that provides small grants to developers to spur growth and customization. One of the recipients, SkyFeed, is a tool that allows anyone to build individualized feeds using a graphical user interface.
Is Bluesky available on iOS and Android?
Yes. Bluesky was rolled out to Android users on April 20, following its initial launch for iOS users in late February. Users can also access Bluesky on the web here.
How does Bluesky address misinformation?
Following an update in October 2023, the app now cautions users about potentially misleading links. If links included in user posts do not correspond with the accompanying text, the app will issue a “possibly misleading” alert to the user, indicating that the link may redirect them to an unintended destination.
In December 2024, the Bluesky Safety team announced updates to its impersonation policy, stating it would adopt a “more aggressive” approach by eliminating impersonation and handle-squatting accounts. The company is also exploring alternatives to its existing domain handle verification process.
Has Bluesky faced any controversies?
Since its debut, Bluesky has grappled with moderation challenges, having been criticized for not sufficiently protecting marginalized users and for inadequate moderation of racially charged content. Following a controversy regarding the platform’s allowance of racial slurs in account handles, frustrated users initiated a “posting strike,” ceasing engagement until clearer guardrails against such terms were established in usernames.
In December 2024, the platform also faced backlash when writer and podcast host Jesse Singal joined Bluesky. Singal has been flagged by GLAAD’s Accountability Project for his writings on transgender issues. Many Bluesky users reported his account in a coordinated effort, resulting in the company’s decision to ban him, later restore his account, and subsequently label it intolerant under its moderation policy.
What moderation features are available on Bluesky?
In December 2023, Bluesky launched “enhanced automated tools” to identify content violating its Community Guidelines for review by its moderation team. Bluesky features moderation capabilities comparable to X, including user and moderation lists, and a setting that allows users to restrict who can reply to their posts. However, some users continue to advocate for a private account option.
In March 2024, Bluesky unveiled Ozone, a tool enabling users to create and manage their own independent moderation services, granting users “unprecedented control” over their social media experience. In October 2024, Bluesky sought to attract users displeased with Meta’s moderation by joining forces with Instagram’s Threads app.
In January 2025, Bluesky released its 2024 moderation report, which indicated a 17-fold increase in moderation reports as the platform rapidly expanded. The report highlighted that the majority of reports were concerning harassment, trolling, or intolerance—issues that have persisted as Bluesky has grown. To manage this demand, Bluesky has augmented its moderation team to about 100 moderators and plans to continue hiring.
What distinguishes Bluesky from Mastodon?
Despite their architectural similarities, many users have found Bluesky more user-friendly, while Mastodon can appear more complex: selecting an instance can feel overwhelming on Mastodon, and long-term users may be protective of their established posting behaviors, making it daunting for newcomers. To stay competitive, Mastodon has simplified its signup process, designating mastodon.social as the default server for new accounts.
Nonetheless, the introduction of federation will align more closely with Mastodon’s model, allowing users to select different servers and easily relocate their accounts.
Who is behind Bluesky?
While Jack Dorsey initially financed Bluesky, he is no longer involved in its day-to-day management and has exited the company’s board. Currently, Jay Graber serves as CEO, having previously worked as a software engineer for the cryptocurrency Zcash and later founding an event-planning platform named Happening.
If you have additional FAQs about Bluesky that we haven’t addressed, feel free to leave a comment below.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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